Sponsors (2)
The bill enables the Academy to raise and rapidly use private and licensing funds to strengthen athletics and recruiting with limited DOT oversight, but it increases risks of taxpayer exposure, reduced procurement competition, and potential conflicts or reputational issues.
Students at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy will receive increased financial and material support for athletics because a nonprofit can retain trademark licensing fees, contracts, and donated funds to fund athletic programs and related costs (which can also free resources for recruiting).
Academy athletics and related programs can get faster, more tailored support because the bill permits sole‑source or cooperative agreements and short‑term leases of Academy property to the nonprofit, reducing procurement delays for athletic needs.
DOT retains a governance and integrity check by allowing up to one‑third of the nonprofit board to be DOT employees and by requiring contributions not to compromise DOT or Academy integrity, which helps maintain oversight.
Taxpayers could indirectly support Academy athletics because the Secretary may transfer DOT non‑appropriated assets to the nonprofit and accept/use funds and services, creating potential implicit public backing of the nonprofit.
The use of sole‑source contracting authority and cooperative agreement exceptions reduces competitive procurement safeguards, increasing risks of higher costs, favoritism, or less transparency in how athletic support is obtained.
Leasing Academy property and permitting corporate licensing/sponsorships could produce perceived conflicts of interest or reputational risks if sponsors or partners reflect unfavorably on DOT or the Academy.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to create a U.S.-owned New York nonprofit to support Merchant Marine Academy athletics and to enter contracts, leases, and limited sole-source agreements to do so.
Introduced November 20, 2025 by Roger F. Wicker · Last progress November 20, 2025
Creates a U.S.-owned nonprofit corporation in New York to support athletics at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and gives the Secretary of Transportation authority to oversee and contract with that nonprofit. The Secretary may place DOT employees on the nonprofit's board (limited to one-third of directors), lease Academy property to the nonprofit for up to five years, provide certain support services, and enter contracts or cooperative agreements — including limited sole‑source arrangements — to benefit Academy athletics.